Astoria is a historic town located at the mouth of the Columbia River. It was at the end of the legendary Lewis and Clark trail and the oldest permanent  American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. The town’s 200-year long history is rich and fascinating. For a long time, Astoria was a bustling frontier town and one of three biggest ports on the west coast. It also has been a “salmon canning capital of the world” and a center for logging and other industry. In the recent past Astoria has undergone a renaissance with many renovation and beautification projects and is currently a tourist destination on regional and national level.

Astoria has a very unique and picturesque setting. It is nestled on the high forested hills facing the mighty Columbia River at its outlet to the Pacific Ocean. Astoria has two scenic-drive bridges: the Astoria-Megler Bridge connecting the town to the state of Washington and the Youngs Bay Bridge connecting it to the town of Warrenton.

One of town’s most unique sights is the Astoria Column located on top of the Coxcomb Hill where you can observe breathtaking panoramic views of Astoria, the Columbia River, Youngs Bay, and acres of forestland. The elaborately painted Column is 125 feet tall and has a winding staircase leading to its top where you can see yet more spectacular views. Other attractions in Astoria and close vicinity include the Maritime Museum, Astoria Aquatic Center, Flavel House Museum, Columbia River Maritime Museum, Heritage Center Museum, Fort Stevens State Park, Fort Clatsop, and Lewis and Clark National Historical Park.

Another one of town’s interesting features is the Riverwalk, a four-mile paved walkway that looks out onto the magnificent Columbia River and offers fantastic opportunities for scenic walking, jogging, and bike riding. A 1913 trolley runs along the Astoria Riverwalk and presents a fun-filled way to view the scenery. Astoria has several docks filled with picturesque boats, and one of the docks on the north side is home to numerous sea lions that are always fascinating to watch. Local fishing charters offer the adventure of landing your own salmon, sturgeon, and crab.

In addition to having a distinctively historic atmosphere, Astoria is a town of the arts. It boasts three theaters, The Astor Street Opry Company, and Astoria Performing Arts Center. Astoria’s downtown is lined with arts galleries, in addition to shops, restaurants, and cafes.   

Several large cruise ships come to Astoria because of the town’s incomparable scenery and many attractions. Astoria is well-known nationally and internationally and has been filmed in many movies.

However, Astoria is much more than a year-round tourist destination. It is a great community to retire in, a wonderful place to raise a family, and a exceptional area for a vacation home.